Overcoming challenges to graduate as SAF specialists

For many young Singaporean men, enlisting for National Service (NS) can be a daunting process, especially if they’re unsure of what to expect. Often, these boys enter Pulau Tekong with the comfort of their family members sending them off.

But what is it like to enlist all alone, watching everyone around you show up with their families? That was what 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Shi Huan Kai experienced in January.

A first-generation Permanent Resident, he first came to Singapore from China in 2019, at just 15 years old. 

 “I reported to Pulau Tekong all by myself. Seeing other recruits having dinner with their families made me feel lonely,” the now 20-year-old admitted.

As his family is currently in China, he stays in camp during the weekends. With his parents and brother being so far away, feelings of homesickness and loneliness were common for him.

Despite some initial struggles, he managed to overcome them by calling and texting his family regularly, as well as finding his own purpose in NS with the help of his batchmates and commanders.

Finding meaning in NS

Integrating with his fellow Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) was the first step.

“As we went through the same training, our shared experiences gave us countless topics to discuss and deepen our friendships. By helping each other, we strengthened our camaraderie,” 3SG Shi said.

He now looks at his NS experience as a unique journey of personal growth.

On 19 Mar, 3SG Shi entered the Specialist Cadet Course (SCC). During the 22 weeks of rigorous training, he met many people who supported and inspired him.

One of them was 3WO Andrew Yeo, his Platoon Commander during Foundation Term.

“He motivated me to set high standards for myself as a leader, and to always strive for excellence,” explained 3SG Shi.

Another pillar of support was his friend 3SG Xander Tan, a fellow cadet who has been by his side since Basic Military Training (BMT).

“He always looks out for me and offers encouragement, especially during tough training sessions. His genuine kindness inspires me to be warm-hearted and supportive, and to always be ready to help those in need.”  

Now, graduating as an Emergency Medical Technician Specialist, 3SG Shi feels that he has gained many new friends as well as valuable life-saving medical skills.

“I now have the ability to make a real difference… (and) I can provide effective medical care to soldiers in distress, ensuring that they return home safely.”

3SG Shi did so well during the SCC, he received the Golden Bayonet – this award is given to the top specialist cadet graduands from each vocation.

On 22 Aug, 3SG Shi was among 950 Special Cadets and Military Expert (ME) Trainees who graduated at Pasir Laba Camp.

The graduands comprised 784 from the Singapore Army, 89 from the Republic of Singapore Navy, 5 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and 72 from the Digital and Intelligence Service.

Never give up

Also among the graduands that evening was ME1 Tivya D/O Tamil Selvan, a Maintenance Military Expert.

When the 25-year-old broke the news to her family and friends of wanting to join the military, her father was shocked at first as he thought she would become a police officer. After all, she had been in the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) during secondary school.

But her father quickly came around to supporting her career choice.

“I knew he would be proud to see me in my uniform, defending Singapore with pride. He was always a straightforward person who feared nothing. That’s how he motivated me to stand tall and never give up,” said ME1 Tivya.

She explained that she had picked the Singapore Armed Forces as she studied Mechatronics Engineering for NITEC (National ITE Certificate) and Marine Engineering in Higher NITEC, and felt that the Army offers more hands-on opportunities related to this field.

Unfortunately, a week before ME1 Tivya enlisted for BMT on 26 Sep 2023, she faced an unexpected tragedy – her father, one of her biggest supporters of her SAF journey, passed away overseas due to a kidney-related illness.

“My family went for the funeral prayers (which happened during my confinement period) on my behalf and sent me photos. Though I was grieving, I also wanted to make my father proud and push myself till the end,” said ME1 Tivya. 

BMT was a difficult time for her. On top of dealing with the grief of her father’s passing, she faced new challenges every day, such as adjusting to the military culture and getting her fitness up to standard.

“I failed my very first IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test)… I broke down in tears and was deeply disappointed in myself,” recounted ME1 Tivya.

But with the encouragement of those around her, she persevered and eventually achieved a Silver in her last IPPT during BMT.

Making my dad proud

During ME1 Tivya’s Professional Term at OETI Engineering School (OES), she worked hard to familiarise herself with both theory and practical when it comes to maintaining and repairing the Army’s electrical systems.

“Whenever I feel like I can’t perform a task well, I will always remind myself what my father used to tell me: ‘Don’t ever give up. In this world, everyone can do everything. It’s about whether you want it or not.’”

While her father isn’t here to watch her graduate from Specialist Cadet School, ME1 Tivya is confident that he would be happy and proud of the woman his daughter has become today. 

Following her graduation, ME1 Tivya will go on to become an Assistance Master Tech Trainer in 62 Forward Maintenance Depot at 6th Army Maintenance Base in Nee Soon Camp.

“I’m very excited to go back to my unit as a freshly graduated ME1, and looking forward to working and learning new things.

“This career path is challenging, adventurous and filled with opportunities!”